[IrvineFriend]

I feel your pain. I know for my onc. nurse who went through cancer as well, her 1 inch hair was equivalent to being bald. She still wore a hat everyday. I would not have known she had hair had I not asked about it.

Stress is a major trigger in hot flashes and I know you hate your treatments and seeing your doctors, so I'm sure that alone is making them worse. My hot flashes about killed me, and still make me vomit (just did an hour ago) but they are reducing as the chemo is clearing my system.

I will email you the guided meditations to do. Sorry I haven't done that yet! I am going to be better about doing them myself. That 10-15 minutes of being in the present and clearing the mind was always very helpful for me.

That said, a little retail therapy can help. I allow myself a "present" when I finish a treatment. Anything to feel better, like a new blouse or dress, etc. Summer is coming and there are lots of great colors out now! If you're feeling well, a nice dinner out with a friend or a movie night. I think this is the time to be good to yourself and find those little things that bring some joy.

BTW, my effexor is 75mg. From what I've googled, seems to be the most effective dose for hot flashes.